Disclaimer: I own nothing. JKR owns all.
Chapter Fourteen: Puddlemere United vs. Chudley Cannons.
Hermione's eyes flickered around the top box, finally resting on her children. It was surreal, just how much things had changed lately, Hermione noted. In the space of three days, everything was suddenly different. Suddenly overwhelmed by it all, she pulled away from Draco, ignoring his curious looks. Hermione sat stiffly in her chair amid loud cheers. Puddlemere United were currently speeding around on the pitch below, vivid in their blue robes. Hermione closed her eyes. She didn't know why she was suddenly feeling like this, but she was, so she had to overcome it. Doubt circled in on her swiftly. Could she really trust Draco? Sure, he had appeared to change his ways completely, but was this actually possible? Could someone just reform like that? For once in her life, Hermione didn't know what the answer was.
Draco glanced at Hermione, wondering what she was thinking. Her eyes were closed impassively, but her face held an expression of doubt. His cynical mind wondered if she was doubting him. If she was, she would certainly not be the first. Although Draco could understand people's doubt, it still hurt. No one really believed that he had removed himself from his prejudiced past. But he had hoped Hermione would be different. He knew the reason why Hermione had not informed him of his children's existence, although he had not had her confirm it. She had not told him as she had believed he would harm them, possibly kill them, due to the fact that their impurity tainted the Malfoy bloodline he had once been so proud of. It deeply hurt to know that the person, who you may be growing to love, believed you would kill your own flesh and blood over the impurity of blood. Draco sighed. He shifted detachedly in his seat, his eyes falling unseeingly on the game before him.
Hermione, still held in the murky depths of doubt, glanced again at her children waving flags vigorously. She smiled, deciding to enjoy herself for her children's sake. Her eyes flew onto the pitch, where she spotted Ron a few moments later, clutching the scarlet quaffle and heading for the Puddlemere keeper, which happened to be the extraordinarily handsome, burly Scottish ex-Gryffindor, Oliver Wood. Ron and Oliver's faces were both set in fierce determination. Hermione remembered that Oliver was an almost impenetrable keeper. Abandoning her previous thoughts, she stood up and cheered for her friend in an extremely loud voice. Quickly glancing around, she noticed she wasn't the only one cheering. Harry was shouting his head off at Ron who was nearing the centre goalpost, as was Ginny, clutching her stomach and breathing deeply. Hermione watched with bated breath as Ron aimed, and missed. A smug Oliver had caught the quaffle at the last second. Hermione sat back down, distinctly disappointed. She had never cared much for Quidditch, but Ron's was one of her dearest friends and she hated to see him lose. She looked over to Harry, and noted he looked rather angry. His face was the colour of a raspberry and he was glaring at Oliver, his emerald eyes glinting in disappointment.
An hour and thirty minutes passed with, ten goals, two broken noses and one penalty (for the Cannons). Both teams were tied. The Cannon's fans were over come with feral anticipation. The Cannon's had not won a premiership game in ten years. A seeker for the cannons, whose name, Hermione was sure, was John Davies. He had just spotted the snitch, Hermione assumed. He flew with such speed that he almost appeared blurred. A blue figure was tailing him angrily. Davies sped closer to the grass, his hand outstretched. Hermione found herself on her feet, along with three quarters of the Top Box, cheering on Davies raucously. "COME ON!! CATCH IT!!" she heard Fred shout. They watched anxiously as his fingers began to curl around the gold ball. The atmosphere was one of palpable tension. Davies was a second short of winning, when a blurred blue figure, slammed into him from above, knocking him off course. The orange bleachers on the left side of the pitch began to roar in undisputed anger. The blue figure, which was obviously the Puddlemere seeker, lifted his right hand in victory. The defeated snitch whipped his wings around his hand. Puddlemere United had won. Screams of delight pierced the disbelieved air. Hermione fell back into her seat, feeling terrible for Ron. This was his first premiership ship match since he had joined his favourite team. She looked over to Harry who looked stunned. Her children, most notably Leo, were on their feet glaring angrily at the delighted Puddlemere fans. They had discarded their orange flags and both looked rather glum.
The commenter sat in the centre of the Top Box, his wand poised in front of him like a microphone. "Please give a loud hand for the Cannon's who fought a brave game!" he exclaimed loudly, after Puddlemere United had preformed their victory lap. The Cannon's trouped into the Box, all looking horribly disappointed. Their orange robes were all ruffled, some were splattered with mud, and one with blood. Their hair was windswept, and as they shook hands with the Commenter, all looked like they couldn't believe what had just taken place.
A few seconds later, Ron walked over towards his family and friends. Leo immediately tackled him declaring; "I'm sorry Uncle Ron! You should have won! Your team was better!" Ron chuckled as he ruffled Leo's blond hair. "Don't worry Kiddo. We'll win them one day" he reassured Leo, although Hermione suspected he was reassuring himself more than anything. Harry stood up and patted Ron on the back consolingly, uttering, "Leo's right, you should have won..." Hermione then stood up and pulled Ron into a warm embrace, as Puddlemere United flounced into the room, emitting a palpable wave of joy and smugness. Hermione's eyes swept over the time, finally landing on Oliver Wood's. He grinned cheekily at her. Hermione gave him a fraction of a smile, before pulling away from a mightily embarrassed Ron. She sat back down, and Draco grabbed her hand, quick as a flash. Hermione suspected that he had seen Oliver's grin.
"Please join your hands in celebration of Puddlemere's triumphant victory!" announced the commenter excitedly, as he handed the Trophy to a grinning Oliver, who raised it high in exultation, amid whoops of joy from their fans. Moments later, the trophy was lowered, and the fans began to disperse. Oliver looked around the Box, and made his way over to Harry. "Hey Harry!" he greeted. Harry looked at him in disbelief. "Hey Oliver" he said cautiously, while Ron glared at the Scottish man. "No hard feelings?" he asked both Ron and Harry, almost pleadingly. "Um, sure I guess?" Harry said looking at Ron for agreement. Ron nodded slightly, but did not pursue the conversation, deciding to talk to the twins instead. "So Harry, what do you do now?" Oliver asked curiously. "I'm an auror" Harry stated proudly. Oliver looked rather impressed. "I had hoped you would enter professional qudditch" Oliver told Harry. "Seemed like a crime to waste talent such as yours" Oliver continued. Harry nodded looking rather disinterested. Oliver who seemed to notice this, cleared his throat and glanced around the Box, his eyes coming to rest on Hermione, who was chatting animatedly with Libby and Leo, her fingers entwined with Draco's. "Is that Hermione Granger?" Oliver asked Harry curiously. "Yea" Harry said. "She's changed..." Oliver commented. "Is that MALFOY?" he said suddenly shocked. "Yes" Harry said nonchalantly enjoying the look of disbelief adorning Oliver's face. "Why is she holding hands with him?" he asked slightly stunned. "Oh, they go out with each other" Harry said calmly, "see the two kids, with blond hair? They're their children" he said, resisting the urge to laugh hysterically at Oliver's face. "Oh..." Oliver said, trying unsuccessfully to digest this shocking revelation.
"Mommy, can we go home? I'm tired" asked Libby. Hermione glanced at her watch. It was nearly 8pm. This was rather early for Libby. Hermione grew slightly worried. "Are you feeling okay baby?" she asked, feeling her daughter's forehead with the palm of her hand. It was fairly warm. "Mmmhmm, I just feel tired" she said. "Okay baby" Hermione told her. "I just have to go say Bye to everyone", Hermione said as she stood, and walked over to Harry. She tapped him on the shoulder. He spun around and smiled at her. "What's wrong Mione?" he asked. "Libby's tired. She wants to go home," Hermione explained. "Is she ok?" he asked, immediately concerned. "Her heads a bit hot... But she should be ok" she told him, smiling softly. "Good, good!" he said. Hermione looked over Harry's shoulder, spotting Oliver. "Hello Oliver!" she greeted warmly. "Hey Hermione" he said back in friendly tones. "Right then, well I'll see you soon Harry" Hermione said as she bid him goodbye. "Yea you too Herms." "Bye!" she called, before turning towards where Ginny, Fred, George and Ron were congregated.
Ten minutes later, Hermione was stood in her house, ushering Libby up the stairs. Draco was sat looking awkward, next to an excited Leo, who was showing him his PS2 games. Draco looked baffled at the games that consisted of titles such as "The Simpson's, Hit and Run". Hermione grinned to herself, as she entered Libby's room. She left Libby on the bed, as she rummaged through her chest of drawers producing a pair of pink flannel pjs. She helped Libby into them, and then tucked her into bed, placing a chaste kiss on her forehead lovingly. She then crossed the room, and pulled the curtains shut. Heading over to Libby again, she conjured up a glass of water for her, which she placed on the night side. On her way out, she turned on the dim nightlight, calling out a "sleep well baby!"
Hermione descended the stairs and was met with the sight of Draco trying to play PS2. Hermione was reminded of a time, very similar to this, when Harry had tried to teach Ron how to play the PS1. Needless to say it had been unsuccessful. Although, Arthur had been extraordinarily interested in the machine, and had turned out to be a worthy opponent in one of the fighting games. Hermione smirked and plopped herself down next to Leo. "Half an hour love, till bedtime!" she reminded him. Leo groaned in response. "Do you want a snack or something baby?" she asked him. "Can I have a drink?" he asked, not removing his eyes from the television, where he was winning Draco spectacularly. "Sure love" she told him as she bustled into the kitchen. She returned with three glasses, of still flavoured water, which she handed round.
The comfortable silence was broken when Leo jumped up from the couch exclaiming "I won!! I won an adult!! Dad your worse than Ron!!" he told his father, who was taking the loss fairly well. "Leo! Shush, Libby's asleep!" Hermione told her son, who immediately quietened down, uttering a faint "sorry". "Are you tired?" asked Hermione, noticing Leo yawning. He was immediately defensive. "Nope! Not tired at all!" he declared, but his eyes gave him away. "Right young man, up to bed!" Hermione ordered. Leo groaned. "Mom! Just a bit longer? Please?" he asked, his eyes widening to form his innocent plea. "No Leo. Bed!" Hermione told him, refusing to be overcome. Leo spun around to face his dad. "Just two minutes! Please dad??" he begged. Draco however looked undeniably shocked. This had never happened before. Draco looked over at Hermione, who was shaking her head and mouthing "no" to him. "Sorry son, but you should listen to your mother" he said regretfully. Leo looked heavenward, seeking some divine power to rescue him from the inevitable- bedtime. He sighed and made his way up the stairs, glaring at his parents the whole way up.
"Is he always so tenacious?" Draco asked Hermione. She nodded. "Unfortunately, yes. I'm sure that comes from you" Hermione told him smirking. Draco smirked right back. "How's Libby?" he asked, concerned for his daughter. "She seems to be ok..." Hermione told him, her brow furrowing. "Good" Draco said firmly. Hermione smiled at him. They sat in companionable silence for a few moments. "Do you think things are going a bit fast?" Hermione asked him quietly. Draco considered the question, before answering, "I guess..." Hermione nodded, apparently satisfied with his answer. "I think we need to take things slower... For the twin's sakes" Hermione continued. "I mean, it's not just us in this relationship. If something were to happen, like we were to break up or something, then it would affect the twins. I need to know if you're serious about this..." Hermione told him. "I am serious" Draco declared. "I love our children so much it rather frightens me. I feel the need to protect them... from anything. The emotion I feel for them and for you already is so overwhelming. I've been brought up to believe that displaying emotion is an extreme weakness. And right now, I must be as weak as a flobberworm" he told Hermione in a gentle voice. Hermione smiled at him after his confession. "Merlin Hermione... I've never been good at this mushy stuff, but I think I'm falling in love with you, and I want you to know that I'm deathly serious about this" Draco said so quietly Hermione had to lean in really close to hear it. She sat in a stunned comatose position for a few moments after Draco's confession of his feelings. Did she love him? She didn't really know. But she did know that although she didn't love him yet, she would soon. "And I am falling in love with you too Draco" Hermione whispered into his ear. Draco looked at her. His mouth was set in a wonderful smile. She leaned over and kissed him gently. He responded with equal passion. Their kisses gradually became more passionate, more needing, more demanding. As they fought a battle for dominance, Draco led Hermione over to the stairs, where he broke off their kisses, and picked her up in bridal style. Hermione looked at him, panting slightly, her eyes alight with passion. He walked up the stairs, while Hermione undid the buttons on his jacket with deft fingers, as she guided him in the direction of her room. Entering the large room, Draco placed Hermione on the bed, as he walked back over to the door, closing it softly. Grabbing his wand he placed a silencing and locking charm on the door, before walking over to Hermione, discarding his wand and jacket on the floor. He crawled onto the bed, and Hermione yanked him towards her, crushing their mouths together in a feverish passion. That night they were bonded together as one, for the second time. Except that this time, they would hopefully remember it!
A:N: Hiya everyone! Hope y'all liked this chapter! Took me a while to write it! :-). I hope to have this story all completed by Christmas, which I'm sure I can do! Lol, I've been annoyingly busy these past few weeks, with exams and stuff. The exams were okay, I don't think I've done wonderfully well or anything, but I think I've just achieved a pass grade. Don't think I'll have any Ds or anything. Hopefully! Lol.
Not sure when you can await the next chapter, hopefully in a week or so. I have Geography, History and Catering coursework to complete by Friday. Plus a practical catering exam, which I don't have to revise for or anything, but have to complete time plans, order of works etc for a three course meal. Phew!
Personal Responses
Kirstie232: No probz! Yea I know lol, school is so annoying! Takes up all your time. –Mutters-. Thanks! Hope you had a happy Halloween too!
Alenor: Yup Halloween! Fred and George! Lol, my favorite characters those two! They're hilarious. Hope you did well on your exams and good luck with your school certificate! :-).
Caboodle: Twins and Ginny Good Combination! Heehee lol, the guy knew what he was saying? How embarrassing. I bet your teachers don't like at you the same! Pokes tongue out at Caboodle Review again :-).
Smay: Thanks :-). Hope you like this chappie too!
Paprika90: Yup exams already. Depressing, isn't it? Lol. I find it extremely difficult, studying. I can't concentrate properly, and always find something much better to do! You caught me out lol. Good excuse, taking siblings trick or treating! Means you get sweeties yourself! And no-one thinks your being immature! In fact they think your being mature!! Success! ;)
Aurora Black: Thanks for your reviewing! Hope you had a happy Halloween too! :-). I have taken your advice, and will hopefully distinguish Fred and George's lines better if we encounter them again.
Jesus4ever: Thanks! I will keep writing :-). You're a twin? So cool. Review again!!!
Daunting Darkness: Lol, imaginative, that he is. He kept changing his mind; he even wanted to be Scooby Doo. Tried explaining that Scooby Doo wasn't scary, but he wasn't interested. In my opinion he should have gone as Draco Malfoy, because he kinda looks like him, with his blond hair, pale complexion and frosty blue eyes! My bro's gonna be quite a little heartbreaker lol :-). Thanks for your review, (I'm actually blushing), please review again!! :-).
Finally-defeated: Wow!! Lol didn't realize it was you reviewing!! The author of Somnio Eternus! Lol didn't quite make the connection. I'm a huge fan of your story, its bloody brilliant! Hope you had a happy Hallow's eve too! I'm gonna go download some of GOB's songs no. Any recommendations? I agree, dark is much cooler! :-). Review again!
Madnutterfan: Heehee lol, not love Ron! Whoa! :-). Ron's umm loveable... Leo and Libby, so cute!! Leo's based loosely on my brother, Dan, who's four. :-). Review again!
VillainValkirie: What a cool name! Thanks for your review, made me smile so much! I'm going to email you now! After I've posted this lol. No problems! Review again! :-).
TomIsMyMan: :-). Hey! Happy you like the story, review again please?
NitenGale: Oi! Lol. Hope you like this chapter enough to keep reading! pokes tongue out childishly at NitenGale. I'll check out your story now. Sounds good :-). Review again!
Sw33tdohtee: Calm down gurl! Lol. Yup there was an update. Glad you liked it! I like you too :-). I love Fred and George! Review again!
Alexathenle: Lmao! I laughed my socks off reading your review! Maybe I should strike up a contract with Levi and Coke, to advertise their products? Hmmm, least that way I'll get some pounds rolling in grins. Review again!!!!!!!!!
LadyDragon: No problem! I'm mentioning you again :-). Thank you!! Ummm, check my favorites for other fics, and sites hmm can't think of any at the moment... Lol, review again!
Mitch: Yey! I'm mentioning you! Hope you like seeing your name in print :p.
Angelraven: Thanks! Hope you did well in your mocks! Evil aren't they?